Dental Protocol Prosthesis: What is it, how is it fixed, how does it work?

The protocol prosthesis is a type of total fixed dental prosthesis that is indicated for people who have lost all their teeth in the same arch. It consists of 12 to 14 teeth attached to a single structure screwed onto 4 to 6 strategically placed dental implants.

A dental protocol prosthesis treatment provides a quick and efficient solution for oral rehabilitation, with surprising aesthetic and functional results that help restore the natural appearance of the smile and consequently improve self-esteem.

Branemark Protocol prosthesis: Indications for use

The Branemark protocol prosthesis is a total dental prosthesis designed to enable oral rehabilitation for people who have lost their teeth and have considerable bone loss.

The Dental Protocol Prosthesis is an innovative oral rehabilitation technique that can be indicated for a variety of cases in which tooth loss is extensive or total. Here are some scenarios in which implants with a protocol prosthesis are often indicated:

1. Total Edentulism (absence of all teeth): The Protocol Prosthesis is an excellent option for patients who have lost all their teeth in one or both dental arches.
2. Severe tooth loss: When tooth loss is extensive and negatively affects the patient’s chewing function, aesthetics and quality of life.
3. Compromised or Unrecoverable Teeth: If your remaining teeth are severely compromised due to tooth decay, periodontal disease or other problems, the Implant Protocol can be an effective alternative.
4. Generalized Tooth Wear: Patients suffering from generalized tooth wear, whether due to bruxism or other conditions, can benefit from the Fixed Protocol to restore chewing function.
5. Difficulties with Removable Dentures: Individuals who face challenges with traditional removable dentures that hurt, have difficulties with retention, stability and discomfort, can opt for the stability and fixation of Protocol Dentures.

Types of Protocol Prosthesis

Fun fact: Historically, dental protocol treatment was invented more than 60 years ago by Dr. Branemark, a Swedish doctor who was also the inventor of the implant itself. At the time, he created a step-by-step procedure that is still followed today! and ends with the installation of a prosthesis made of acrylic (resin), which is the same material used in dentures.

However, protocol prosthesis treatment has evolved over time. Today, in addition to resin, we have more modern materials to make the protocol prosthesis, such as translucent zirconia, as well as zirconia with porcelain, and even metal-ceramic (porcelain), as options for those undergoing total implant treatment.

How does the protocol prosthesis work?

The treatment goes through two stages, surgical and prosthetic. The surgical phase involves placing titanium implant pins in the bone (usually four to five in each arch). The healing of the implants takes between 2 and 4 months, depending on the type of implant chosen and the condition of the bone, as in cases of bone grafting the period can increase.

So the final deadline has to take into account the time taken for the implants + the time taken for the grafts to heal + the time taken to make the prosthesis.

That ‘s why the final treatment period varies from case to case, but on average a treatment is completed in 6 months.

Treatment with a protocol prosthesis is therefore carried out in two stages:

Step 1: How to install dental implants for protocol prostheses:

At this stage, the dentist performs surgery to insert the dental implants into the jaw bone. The number of implants needed varies according to the number of missing teeth and the quality of the bone. Dental implants are inserted in specific areas of the jaw or mandible, taking into account the patient’s bone quality.

Step 2: How the denture is fixed:

After osseointegration of the implants, which is the process of integrating the implants into the bone, the dentist takes a mold of the dental arch. Based on the impression, the prosthodontist makes the definitive dental prosthesis, which is fixed to the implants using screws. The advanced technique allows the prosthesis to be firmly fixed to the implants, giving the patient a feeling of security and naturalness, without gum pain.

See images of dental protocol prostheses below

See below this treatment carried out in our clinic to replace an old complete fixed prosthesis. First, a test was carried out with a temporary dental prosthesis to check the appearance of the treatment. Secondly, a new fixed zirconia prosthesis was made over the patient’s previous implants.

How the Branemark dental protocol prosthesis is made

The manufacturing of the protolo dental prostheses will be done in several stages, which mainly include:

Moldings: Digital molding of the mouth is carried out with the aid of intraoral scanners, or with traditional molds with putty. The images obtained are the basis for the computerized design.

Defining general volumes: In this phase, the patient’s lip volumes, tooth inclination, mouth corridor and vertical dimension are determined. Often these definitions are made on a wax plane, which allows you to sculpt and test as you wish.

Aesthetic testing of teeth: With the volumes of the prostheses defined, we set about selecting the teeth – their size, color, volume. These teeth are tested with wax or by means of 3D prototype prostheses that allow us to anticipate the final result and, of course, facilitate corrections.

Fabrication of the final prosthesis: The prosthesis goes on to the final steps, which may be acrylicization in the case of resin protocol prostheses, or the elaboration of structures + application of porcelain for zirconia or metal-ceramic protocol prostheses.

So the result is a piece that is completely customized to the needs of each patient, built with the participation of the implant dentist and the patient at every step, and the result is predictable (i.e. it’s not a surprise on the last day of treatment).

How the resin dental protocol with bar works

The base of the protocol prosthesis is made with a titanium reinforcement bar, a material that is biocompatible with the human body, does not cause rejection and has low allergenic potential. This reinforcement bar makes the protocol denture with its milled structure resistant, more delicate and comfortable.

The resin teeth are attached to this bar, as well as a layer of artificial gum that mimics the natural mucosa. The titanium-framed protocol prosthesis is attached to the implants, giving the wearer peace of mind when chewing, speaking and smiling.

The titanium bar gives the protocol prosthesis strength, while the resin coating gives the branemark prosthesis naturalness.

Rapid Implants and Prococolo Prosthesis in 72 hours with immediate loading

It is important to note that there is a way to make implants and prosthetic prostheses faster (*in some cases).

In immediate loading treatments, the prosthetic phase of installing the protocol prosthesis is carried out immediately after implant surgery (without waiting for the implants to heal).

In this procedure with rapid protocol implants, it is possible to install dental implants with technology that favors and accelerates the healing process, making it possible to install the prosthesis within 72 hours, the immediate loading technique. However, in the vast majority of cases, it is decided to wait until the recommended healing time to ensure greater safety and success of the procedure.

(*)The possibility of this treatment with rapid implants should be checked at your assessment appointment, when we will analyze your case in detail (this possibility is only confirmed after a careful assessment of your remaining bone).

Benefits of the fixed protocol prosthesis

The protocol prosthesis offers a number of benefits for patients who have lost all their teeth, including:

• Restoration of che wingfunction: The protocol prosthesis allows patients to chew food normally, without difficulty.
• Improved aesthetics: The protocol prosthesis provides a natural and harmonious smile.
• Stability: The protocol prosthesis is fixed, which guarantees stability and safety for patients.
• Durability: The protocol prosthesis can last for many years, with proper care.

Contraindications to the protocol prosthesis

The protocol prosthesis is not indicated for all patients who have lost all their teeth. The main contraindications are:

• Patients with systemic health problems: such as diabetes or osteoporosis, coagulation problems, recent cancer treatments, among others.
• Patients with insufficient bone in the mandible or maxilla. However, this condition can in most cases be reversed by means of bone grafts that recreate the thinned bone.

Curiosity: We sometimes see outdated dentists discussing the weight of prostheses, but recent studies show that the weight of the prosthesis protocol does not contribute to treatment failure. This discussion has fallen into disuse, as zirconia and porcelain prostheses are not heavy either; it’s just a myth.

Conclusion

The protocol prosthesis is an effective and safe option for the oral rehabilitation of patients who have lost all their teeth. It offers a number of benefits, including the restoration of chewing function, improved aesthetics and stability.

In addition to the resin prosthesis, called a protocol prosthesis, or acrylic prosthesis, you can also have a zirconia protocol prosthesis , which allows all the work to be done by computer. All these treatments are offered at Clinica Dentaria ImplArt.

The ImplArt dental clinic carries out this treatment with the help of the most modern computerized systems. Make an appointment with an implant dentist and find out more about the dental implant treatments at the ImplArt dental clinic. Come and visit us. We’ll be happy to welcome you.